The steering commission for Adams County’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States is hosting a meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, to bring residents and business owners across the county up to date on local plans as well as invite members of the community to get involved.
Commonly known as “America 250,” this year-long celebration will kick off in Adams County – and across Pennsylvania – in January 2026.
“We want to re-engage members of the community – residents, business leaders and event organizers – to not only learn what is already being planned, but what we can do as a community to come together and make this national anniversary one to remember in Adams County,” said Carl Whitehill, Vice President of Destination Gettysburg and member of the Adams County steering commission for America 250.
Destination Gettysburg is one of seven community organizations assembled in Adams County to lead the local efforts to observe and celebrate this national anniversary. Other organizations include Adams County government and planning office, Adams County Historical Society, Borough of Gettysburg, Gettysburg Foundation, Gettysburg National Military Park and Main Street Gettysburg.
The mission, as established by the steering commission is: “engaging the Adams County community to honor the people and events that shaped our nation, to support initiatives that attract visitors, and to provide a lasting economic impact while preserving our local legacy for future generations.”
Among the highlights of this year-long commemoration will be special events and programs that bring to life not only the Civil War history, but that of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the acclaimed apple orchards that feed the country, and stories of Gettysburg’s townspeople whose actions both before, during and after the famous Civil War battle came to the community. Through the efforts of the Adams County Historical Society and other organizations, programs and events will also bring to life Adams County’s own Revolutionary War-era history.
“We’ve had a number of residents, business owners and event organizers ask how they can get involved and be part of this important anniversary, and it’s our goal that this community meeting helps everyone understand how they can get plugged in with efforts throughout the county,” said Jill Sellers, President & CEO of Main Street Gettysburg and head of the steering commission’s Community Engagement Committee.
The community meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 3 p.m. at the Adams County Historical Society, 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg. There is no cost to attend the meeting, but registration is requested by Jan. 13, by visiting DestinationGettysburg.com/America-250th. All are welcome to attend.
The Adams County Historical Society is inviting meeting attendees to tour the “Gettysburg Beyond the Battle” museum free of charge beginning at 2 p.m.